Kings of Leon - BST Hyde Park 2024 Review

The first weekend of BST Hyde Park 2024 is upon us, with some big stars ready to entertain the crowds. Whilst many other music fans were enjoying their last day at Glastonbury, we definitely had the best headline performance of the day in Kings of Leon. The weather was perfect for an outdoor concert: clear sunny skies and a gentle breeze set the scene for what would be an unforgettable night.

BST (British Summer Time) Hyde Park is a prestigious annual music festival held in the heart of London, renowned for its world-class line-ups and vibrant atmosphere. Over the years, the festival has hosted legendary acts from various genres, providing music lovers with unforgettable experiences. The event is spread over several weekends, with each day featuring a unique mix of headline acts and emerging artists. The sprawling Hyde Park, with its lush greenery and iconic landmarks, offers a picturesque backdrop for this celebration of music. This year, the festival boasted a diverse array of performances.

First up for us was Gary Clark Jr., an American blues-rock guitarist and singer from Austin, Texas. Known for his raw, soulful sound and impressive guitar skills, Clark Jr. seamlessly blends blues, rock, and soul, creating a distinctive style that has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. His performance set the tone for a night of exceptional music.

Following him, The Vaccines, the indie rock band from London, brought their energetic performance to the stage. Formed in 2010, and fronted by Justin Hayward-Young, they delivered their catchy melodies and high-energy show, as they always do. A safe booking to ensure enjoyment for all. Delivering all the classics including “Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)”, “Wetsuit”, “Headphones Baby” and finishing with “All My Friends Are Falling in Love”.

Finally, Paolo Nutini, a Scottish singer-songwriter with a unique blend of rock, soul, and folk influences, serenaded the audience with his rich, soulful voice. Nutini, who burst onto the scene in 2006 with his debut album These Streets, has since established himself as one of the UK's most talented and versatile artists. His heartfelt lyrics and emotive performances have won him numerous accolades and a devoted following. His set included a mix of his greatest hits including “New Shoes”, “Candy” and “Iron Sky”, showcasing his ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level.

In a serendipitous twist, news broke during the show that England had won their Euro’s match against Slovakia, adding an extra layer of celebration to the night. Thankfully, after hearing how the game played out, it seems we all made the correct decision to attend the gig rather than watch the football.

Known for their anthemic rock sound, Kings of Leon, hailing from Nashville, Tennessee and consisting of brothers Caleb (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Nathan (drums), and Jared Followill (bass guitar), along with their cousin Matthew Followill (lead guitar), have been captivating audiences worldwide since their debut in 2003. Their unique blend of Southern rock, alternative rock, and arena rock has earned them a dedicated following and numerous awards.

As the sun began to set, Kings of Leon took the Great Oak Stage, opening with "Ballerina Radio," setting the tone for a night to remember. "On Call" and "The Bucket" followed, both from their earlier albums, stirring up excitement with their familiar riffs and choruses.

"Taper Jean Girl" and "Manhattan" kept the energy high, while "Revelry" provided a soulful interlude. "Nothing to Do" and "My Party" showed the band's versatility before launching into the explosive "Sex on Fire," a massive crowd-pleaser.

The set continued with a mix of deep cuts and fan favorites, including "Don't Stop the Bleeding," "Comeback Story," and the hauntingly beautiful "Pyro." Classics like "Mustang," "Molly's Chambers," and "Milk" showcased their Southern rock roots.

"Fans" paid homage to their UK followers, while "Back Down South" evoked nostalgia. "Nowhere to Run" and "King of the Rodeo" maintained the momentum, leading into the heartfelt "Wait for Me" and the introspective "Split Screen."

Newer tracks like "The Bandit" and "Find Me" highlighted their evolving sound, and "Closer" ended the main set on a hypnotic note. The encore featured "Rainbow Ball," "Waste a Moment," the poignant "Cold Desert," and the anthem "Use Somebody," leaving the audience exhilarated.

Kings of Leon proved once again why they are one of the leading rock bands of our time, delivering a performance that was both intimate and grand.

BST Hyde Park is on for a few more days with the likes of Morgan Wallen, Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams and Shania Twain.